Etching or like machine



W. S. EATON.

ETCHING 0R LIKE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. I3, I92I.

L42 1,426. Patented July 4, 1922.A

Z SHEETS-SHEET l.

if@ i W. S.EATON.

ETCHING 0R LIKE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 13, 921.

Patented July 4, 1922. v 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

mmza

Y vial?! llt) l duced by av stares i ai@ WILTIAM S. EA'ION,Y OE SAG HARBOR, NEW YORK.

ETGHNG OR LIKE MACHINE;

To @ZZ @lf/wia t may concer-a Be it known that l, lViLLniM S.- EATON, a citizen-ofthe United Statesresiding at Sag Harbor, in the county of Suffolk and State of N York, have i vented certain new and uselul improvements in Etching or like-Machines, of which the tollowingyisa specilieation, reference being 'had therein to the accompanying drawings, which form a partrthereot.

My invention relates to etching or like machines of the pantographic type, and more particularlyto the provision in such a machine ot a mechanism which will. permit such machines to be utilized tor ruling straighty lines upon, aprinting surface, and to accurately space such lines, `t'or the purpose ol'producing line shading, outlines, or ordinary guide lines.

Heretoliore I have produced pantographic etching machines, as well` as pantographic engraving machines, wherein the work holder, during-the operation oit the machine, has remained stationary, and the printing surtaccv has had a design inscribed thereuponthrougli the medium of a work point, which has had universal movement'under the control ot a transmitter arm, andas deter mined by a pattern-which the operator tollowed-` by means of a tracing stylus carried by said transmitter arm. Ordinarilv, with such machines, the reproduction upon the printing plate is upon a reduced scale.

Such machines` have a limited range ot work, it being essential tor line spacingand to produce laterally elongated designs, to adjust the work support with relationto the work point;

llliile such machines, with theuse ot a line pattern, could be used for inscribing lines upon a= printing plate, great accuraev cannotf be secured because ot' the limitedrange ot' movement of the work point, and the necessity for readjusting the work support ot the machine, in order to permit lines ot a desiredlength to be prodiicedithrough the movement olf the transmitter arm, particularly as such readjustment results in a slight var-iance in the thickness of the lines where work upon one portion thereofY was stopped: and a continuing portion ofthe line was prosucceeding opera-tion, rlhis condition prevailed as to both horizontal linesV and lines perpendicular thereto, and so 't'ai'asg am aware. the practice toriisiiig such machines: for ruling has never been en- Speccation of Letters Patent.'

Patented. Julyv 4e, 19221.

Application filed December 13, 1921. Seralrlll'o. 522,019.7v

tirely. satisfactory when the machine'- was allowed to function as a pantograph.

lWith the above conditions inmind, I have producedfa machinewhereby the work point may be used tor inscribing continuous uninterrupted straight lines, either horizontal or perpendicular to the horizontalgupon the printing plate,` by holding the transmitter armiimmobile with a resultant-immobility of the'workgpoint, the relative movement ofi the printing surface and the work point, either laterally or longitudinallyV of the machine, bei ng-effected-by` mechanismsN operativeupon the work support.

To permit thel ruling of: spaced` horizontal lines, I' so construct theA means operative upon the transmitter'arni through its-stylus, as to-permitsuccessive, accurateirectilineal movements ofthe transmitter and therethrough of the work: point. While in this manner accurately spaced horizontal lines maybe produced, the spacing ofv vertical lines is secured by meansof adjustments in the work support structure.

By combining with the pantographic machine aineehanism-embodyingmy invention,

the range of. work of a machine may-be increased'to include ruling, since. the meehanism oit" my inventionI includes an attachnient ada-ptedto be combined with the-pantograpliie machine by being mounted upon the pattern support, andmay be removed-at will therefrom so as to permitthe'machine to vbe used'in a manner 'to permit the movement ofthe transmitter armto-iinpart universal movi-mient,i to-the work point or tool. various adjustments for determining the scale off reproduction andf'ijor distorting-the reproduction are not' required'when the-ma chine is iiseclior ruling, but are included in the combination to adapt the machine-for general work.

The invention consists primarily inan etchiiig'or like machine vembodying therein the combination with a.-- pattern table, a

The 7' work support'including-therein aV work table, i I

supporting meansthereforhaving laterally extending paralleli slideways upon which said work table is mounted, and means for imparting continuous movementfto said tan ble alongsaidfslidew-ays,a workY point supporting carriage capable of universal movement upon a single plane,v a work point carrying arm mounted upon saidy carriage and capable of movement'tovvard and from saicl work table, means wherebyA the move-1 ment of said work supporting arm may. be controlled to engage the work point with, or disengage it from, a work plate., a transmitter arm, a universal connection between said transmitter arm'and said carriage, and a tracing stylus carried by said transmitter arnr, of a-member adapted to enga-ge said stylus and hold said transmitter arm and said carriage immobile, and means 4whereby a step by step movement of said last named member' longit-udinally of the machine may be effected; and insuch `other novel features of construction and combination of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims i heretoappended.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a front eleva-tion of the upper portion of a machine embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a. plan view of the upper portion of the machine with Aportions thereof broken away; f

Fig. 3y is a vertical section of the upper portion of the machine as shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a detail view of the mechanism for holding the transmitter arm and the parts actuated thereby, immobile; and

Fig. 5 is a viewof a modified form ofthe member for engaging the stylus point.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in the drawings, the main frame 10 of the machine has mounted thereon the usual pattern table 11 extending later-ally of the machine, and having the usual means for supporting an intaglio pattern thereon. EX- tending upwardly from the top of said frame 10 is a column 12 having a top frame 13 provided with a plurality of ball cups 14 from which the universally movable work point supporting carriage 15 is supported by means of the ball bearings 16 of suliiciently small diameter` to permit a limited `the present invention, it being understood that by means of the mechanisms 20 and 21 .the pivots of said arm and the lift bar 22 `operative thereon ma-y be raised or lowered `to accommodate thc machine to printing elements of different thicknesses, the oscillatory movements of said arm being controlled by a retard device 23 to prevent penetration of the printing surface by the point 19.

To control the movement of the arm 1S, the lift bar 22 may beraised or lowered in any desired manner as by means of the rod 24 and mechanism 25, shown more particularly in Fig. 1.

Under normal working conditions, the carriage 15 is adapted to have universal movement upon a single plane imparted thereto through the medium of a transmitter arm 26 connected with said-carriage 15 by means of a universal joint 27, similar to an ordinary compass mount, said transmitter arm being pivotally mounted intermediate its ends by means of the universal joint 28, upon a. bracket 29 carried by a vertically adjustable sleeve 30 slidably mounted upon the column 12 and carrying the clamp screw and the pinion 31 engaging with the vertically extending rack 32 upon said column. This construction permits a setting of the machine for lreproduction of the pattern on any desired scale.

Slidably mounted in the lower end of the transmitter arm 26 is a stylus point 33 provided with laterally extending guide handles 34, this slidability of said stylus point with relation to the transmitter arm permitting the stylus point to be held in constant engagement with the pattern, irrespective of the movement of said transmitter arm.

Supported from the top frame 13 is a work support including therein a work table 35 provided with the usual clamping means 36 for holding a work plate or other printing surface thereon, said table being mounted upon parallel slideways 37 extending laterally of the machine, the under face of said table being provided with a tooth rack 38 in mesh with a gear 39 carried by the support for said table, and in a 'fi-Xed relation thereto so as to permit continuous lateral movement of said table through the actuation of said gear by means of its shaft 40 and a hand wheel 41 carried by said shaft. To permit adjustment of the work table longitudinally of the machine as well as laterally thereof, I form the slideways 37 upon a carriage 42 mounted upon longitudinally extending slideways 43 carried by the base 44 of the supporting means for the work table. The slideways 37 extend at right anglee to the slidcways 43, thus not only permitting the work table 35 to be so adjusted as to bring any portion of the work plate carried thereby within the operative range of the work point 19, but permitting either horizontal or vertical straight lines to be inscribed upon the work plate in the manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

The'underside of the carriage 42 is provided with a tooth rack 45, co-operating with which is a gear wheel 46 on a shaft 47 having a hand wheel 48 for turning same,

Cir

said shaft being mounted in a suitable bracket carried by the base 4.4.

By this construction the table 35 may receive rectilineal movement laterally ofthe machine or longitudinally thereof, which construction heretofore has been utilized merely for changing the position of the WorkA plate, shown at L19 as a lithographie stone, With relation to the Work pointi 19 to secure the desired positioning of a reproduced design upon said stone or other printing surface, the lines kof the design being inscribed upon said Work plate as the result of the movement of the Work point 19.

In a machine embody-ing my invention, however, movement of the table 35 either laterally or longitudinally of the machine, and immobility of the transmitter arm 26 and ivorl point 19 are relied upon to secure that relative movement of the Work plate 4:9 andthe ivorlr point 19necessary to cause lines to be inscribedupon the former.

The mechanisms above described are those .vhich I have heretofore used in the production of commercial machines to be used solely for reproducing designs as a result of the pantographic'action of the transmitter arm and the parts actuated thereby. To adapt a pantographic machine ofi this character for use in producing parallel lines upon the plate, Whether' these lines be horizontal or perpendicularto the horizontal, it is essential to provide a member which Will destroy the pantographic functions ofthe machine and cause it to operate Without taking advantage of the various universal joints and movements about the machine, ivhile, at the same time, permitting a. resumption oi' the functioning of said parts when, and if, desired.

In the form of the invention shown, I provide a member adapted to engage the tracing stylus 33 and hold it in a lived po-- sition in relation thereto, thus normally holding the transmitter arm 26 and the carriage 15 immobile. Referring to Figs. 1 and d of the drawings. this member comprises a traveller' block having a socket or depression 51 in the upper face thereof', said block being mounted upon a lead screw 52 and being` so formed as to have a close sliding` fit upon a base plate 53, the lead screw being mounted in suitable bearinglugs 54 and 55 upon said base plate. It Will be apparent that by intermittently turning the lead screiv 52, a step by step movement may be imparted to the traveller block 50, thus imparting a rectilineal movement to said block. and a direct oscillation tothe trans'- mitter arm 26 longitudinally of themachine. 5 Y

To permit a definite quantity of; movement ofthe block 50 vvvith each actuation of the lead screw 52, I. pro-vide said screw with a starwvheel z-adapted` to be^enga'ged`- by.' a

spring pavvl 57 carried by said base and adapted to enter the notches 'in said star Wheel. The'leadl screw is providedA With' a lmurled'actuated hand Wheel 58.

rlhe pattern table 11. is provided with a slot as shown in Fig. 1, adapted to receive a clamp plate 59 carrying a plurality of" pins 60 passing through openings in the base plate 53, said pins having a close fit" with said openings so as to hold the 'plate 53 against' possible movement While the machineis in operation. rlhe clamp plate 59 is engaged by a. clamp sore-iv 61 passing through the plate 53 and'thus firmly securing said plate 53-upon the pattern table 1l.

lVhen the-traveller block-isprovided With a soc-liet or depression 511, I provide means for firmly holding the stylusipoint 33 in lsaid socket or depression, consisting of a looped spring 62adapted'to'engage the loiver end ofthe transmitter arm 26 and-the top of the guide-handle 34, thus lholding the stylus 33 in constant engagementvvith the block 50.

If desired, instead ofI employingavspring 62,v the block 50 `may be provided with a-ball and socketv tting 63, the ball partof' said iitting being provided with an extension 64 having a socket thereon adapted to receive the stylus 33, Which is firmly clamped' in position therein-by means of the set screw 65.

The operation of the herein; described mechanism is substantially as follows A machine as shown in the accompanying drawings, when the plate and' its appurtenances arenot assembled in the machine, may be used as an ordinary pantographic etching macliineto produce al design or arrangement of letters asdetermined by the pattern upon the table-111, the rack and: pinion mechanism 38-39' and ifi-M46 being usedf' to 1 accurately positionthe design upon the work platestone or sheet 49, and secure the desiredispacing of2 lines-of letters or characters. Normally the Workl point supporting arm 18v is elevated, and is only brought into engagement With the Work plateby means off the mechanism 22, 24h and 25 When it* is desired: to remove the resist from the plate, the machine shown being essentially an etching machine and the Work point 19,l a dry point; Thisis-theordinary functioning of the machine, during which the carriage 15 andlthe Work point 19 have universal'movement-upon a-horizontalplane.

in reproducing a design upon the printing` surface 1-9; particularly if' the design be ativide one, it is frequently necessary to-use the rack and'.A pinion mechanism. 38-39 to move the ivorlr support 35flaterallyof` the machine to increase therange of the Work point' beyond the: normal range of" action of the transmitter arm 26,. particularly when the reproduction is upon a reduced scale, which. is? the usual. practice` in: this` art.

Reproduced designs frequently require parallel lines for forming outline borders, guide ruling, or tonal background effects, the length of` such lines yfrequently exceeding the normal range of movement of the carriage 15 under the control of the transmitter arm` 26, and if the machine be used as a pantograph for inscribing such lines the adjustmentV of the work support 85 to secure continuity of the line of uniform width, is practically impossible, since such readjustinent must be proportioned to the desired length of line, in the same ratio as the scale of the reproduction bears to that of the pattern, as if the work point laps a portion of the line already inscribed. upon the plate 49, there is always likelihood of a slight widening of the line throughout the lap and a ragged irregular effect in the completed printing surface when etched.

By assembling in a machine of the above type, a plate 53 and its appurtenances, I may inscribe upon the plate 49, sharp, well-de fined, straight, parallel lines of any desired length, `and may secure accurate spacing of succeeding lines entirely independent of a pattern which would be reduced in. scale through the medium of a reducing pantographic mechanism. By the use of this mechanism a complete design including an outline border, shade lines or ruled guide lines, :may be reproduced upon a printing plate without any change in the adjustments of the mechanisms of the machine, other than the movements of the work table.

1When it is desired to inscribe straight horizontal lines, Orstraght lines perpendicular thereto, thebase plate 53 is secured tothe pattern support table 11 in the manner heretofore described, and the tracing stylus point 33 engaged with the socket or depression 51 in the block 50, the spring 62 being engaged with the lower end of the transmitter rarm 26 and the top of the guide handle 34 as shown more particularly in Fig. 1, or in the extension 64 of the ball fitting 63 by means of the set screw 65, so as to maintain. the stylus point in such engagement with the block 50 as to prevent accidental displacement thereof as a result of the sl ight resistance due to the movementV of the printing plate 49 with relation to the work point 19.

When the parts are in the relation above referred to, the transmitter arm 26, the work tool support 15 and the arm 18 will be held against any movement. 1f it be 'desired to inscribe straight horizontal lines, the shaft 40 and its pinion 39 are turned to impart a lateral movement to the work support 35 until the printing plate 49 is brought to the starting point of a line to be inscribed, whereupon the work point 19 is permitted to descend by gravity into engagement with the plate by the positive lowering of the lift bar 22. Thereafter said pinion 39 is actuated to impart lateral traverse to said work support 35 along the Y parallel slideways 37 while the point 19 is permitted to remainin engagement with the work plate. As a result, a straight line of any desired length within the range of lineal movement of the support 35, may be inscribed upon the printing plate 49 without removing the point 19 from the plate, thus ensuring uniform width of the line, and a clear sharp line.

lhen a line of the desired length has been inscribed upon the plate, the lift bar 22 isreleasech thus causing it to elevate the arm 18, whereupon the raclr and pinion mechanism 38e-39 is actuated to impart a return movement to the support 35 to the starting point of a parallel horizontal line to be inscribed. Before the work point is again engaged with the plate 49, the lead screw 52 is turned to the right or leftas required, the star wheel 56 and its associated spring ratchet 57 permitting said shaft to be turned in either direction.

If it be desired to' inscribe a line below thatpreviously inscribed, the hand wheel 58 will be turned to the right, thus forcing the traveller block V50` toward the column 12, which'will move the carriage 15 in the opposite direction, it being understood that in the type of machine shown, where the transmitter arm is pivoted intermediate its end, the reproduction upon the plate 49 is upside down and reversed laterally as compared with the pattern. This operation may be repeated a number of times correspond ing with the numberof parallel lines to be drawn,` a uniform or desired spacing of succeeding lines being ensured by reason of the operative effect of the feed screw 52 and its traveller block 50 upon the transmitter arm 26.

In actual practice, the construction is` such that the turning of the screw 52 a distance determined by the distance in arc between the recesses in the wheel 56, will impart movement to the block 50 of approXi mately one thousandth of an inch, which with fine lines is suflicient to prevent undercutting of the metal of the plate as a result of the acid etching thereof sufficient to break down the metal between lines. 1f it be desired to secure a wider spacing of the lines, the wheel 56 may be turned with each actuation thereof through two or more notches so that the spacing of the lines will always be a multiple of the unit'of movement as determined by the pitch of the screw 52 andthe distance in arc between the recesses in the wheel 56.

If it be desired to draw vertical lines, the rack and pinion mechanism 3839 may be used to secure the proper relative positioning ofthe work point 19 and the printing plate 49 before the said pointis permitted to engage the plate. -Thereattel` the rack and pinion mechanism l5-#i6 is used to impart a longitudinal movement 'to the work support a lateral spacing ot the lines being secured by means ot the rack `and pinion mechanism 23S-39. Vertical lines, however, are not ordinarily used in the kind-ot work adapted to be produced by a machine embodying my invention. n

It will be obsei.'c ltliat when theniachine is used i'or ruling straightlines iin the manner described, it no longer acts as a pantographic machine, since'the work point 19 is held immobile as a result of the engagement ot the stylus point 33 with the traveller' blo k 50, which is stationary while a line is being inscribed. Yet the range -ot' work which may be done upon 'a pantographic machine of Ythe type hereinre'ferred tomay be increased so as to -adaptit :for use as a ruling machine, without any iinoditication in the adjustments ot' themachine, excepting those incidental to the actuation ot the work support 35 to impart a necessarymovement thereto relative to the stationary work tool or point. By merely removingthe plate 53 from the machine, pantographic work may be done with the machine upon the same plate upon which the vrulings have been made.

The machine embodyingmy invention has the advantage thatthe slideways 37 and t3 upon which the carriage et?, and the work support 35 are adapted to have movement, may be accurately made and iitted to their co-operating parts upon said carriage and said support so as to ensure true unwaveringl rectilineal movement, while, it' a straight line pattern be used, the same degree of accuracy cannot be secured even inpatterns oit comparatively short length.

It is not my intention to limit the invention -to the precise details-ofconstruction shown in the accompanying drawings, it being apparent that such may be varied without departing trom'the spirit and scope ot the invention.

Having described the invention, what I elaiin as new and desire to have protected by 'Letters Patent, is

1. An etching or like machineembodying therein the combination with a pattern table, a work support including therein awork table, supporting means therefor having laterally entendino parallel slideways upon which said work trible is mounted, and means for imparting continuous movement to said table along said slideways, awork point supporting carriage capable of universal movement upon a single plane, a work point carrying` arm mounted upon said carriage and capable ot movement toward and from said work table, means whereby the movement of said work supporting arm may be controlled to engage the .work point with, or disengage it from, a work plate, a transmitter arm, a universal connection between said transmitter arm and said carriage, and a tracing stylus carried by saidtransmitter arm, ot a member mlapted 'to enga-ge said stylus and hold said transmitter arm and'saidcarr ze immobile, and means whereby astep by step nievement ot said last named memiber longitudinally ot the machine may beel'ected.

52. rin etching or likemachine` embodying therein vthe lcombination with a pattern table, .a work support including "therein a workftable1 supporting means theretorfhav" ing laterally extending ,parallel slideways upon which said work table is mounted, and means Vfor imparting continuous movement to saidtable along said slideways, a work point supporting carriagecapable of universalmovement upon a sine'le plane,a wor point carrying arm mounted upon said carriage and capable of movement toward and 'from said work table, means whereby .the movement of said: work supporting ,arm may be controlled to engage the workpoint with, or disengage it from, a worl;;pla.te, a transmitterarm, auniversal connection between said transmitter armand said crriage, and a tracing stylus carried by saidtransmitter arm, .of a base plate, means whereby said base plate may be removably mounted upon saidpattern plate, amember slidably mounted in relation to saidbaseplate and adapted to .receive said stylus, means whereby said stylus is tixedly held in relation tosaid member, and means wherebya step by step movement longitudinally of the machine fis imparted to said member. y

3. An etching' or likemachine embodying therein the combination withA a patte-rn table, a work support including therein a work table, supporting means theretor'having laterally extending :parallel slideways .upon which said work'table is mounted, and means for imparting continuous movement to said table along-'said slideways, a work point supporting carriage capable of universal movement upon a singleplane, a. work point carryingfarm mounted upon said carriage and capable ofmovement toward and from said work table, means whereby the movement of said work supporting arm maybe controlled toengage the workpoint with, or disengage it from, a. avorlrplaite, a transmitter arm, a universal connection vbetween said transmit ter arm and said carriage, and a tracing stylus slidably mounted in said transmitter arm, of a base plate, means whereby said base plate may be removably mounted upon said pattern plate, a member slidably mounted in relation to said base plate and adapted to receive said stylus, a spring member acting between said transmitter arm and said stylus, whereby said stylus is held in engagement with said member, and means whereby a step by step movement longitudinally of the machine is imparted to said member.

el. An etching or like machine embodying therein the combination with a pattern table, a work support including therein a work table, supporting means therefor having laterally extending parallel slideways upon which said work table is mounted, and means for imparting continuous movement to said table along said slideways, a work point supporting carriage capable of universal movement upon a single plane, a work point car rying arm mounted upon said carriage and capable of movement toward and from said work table, means whereby the movement of said work supporting arm may be controlled to engage the work point with, or disengage it from, a work plate, a transmitter arm, a universal connection between said transmitter arm and said carriage, and a tracing stylus carried by said transmitter arm, of a base plate, means whereby said base plate may be removably mounted upon said pattern'plate, a member slidably mounted in relation to said base plate and adapted to receive said stylus, means whereby said stylus is fixedly held in relation to said member, a lead screw carried by said base and cooperating withy said member', and a hand wheel carried by said lead screw, whereby a step` by step movement longitudinally oi"y the machine may be imparted to said member through the actuation of said lead screw.

`.5. An etching or like machine embodying therein the combination with a pattern table, a work support including therein a work table, supporting means therefor having laterally extending parallel slideways upon which said work table is mounted, and means 'for imparting continuous movement to said table along said slideways, a work point supporting carriage capable of universal movement upon a single plane, a work point carrying arm mounted uponsaid car riage and capable o'l movement toward and from said work table, means wherebyv the movement of said work supporting arm may be controlled to engage the work point with, or disengage it from, a work plate, a transmitter arm, a universal connection between said transmitter arm and said carriage, and a tracing stylus carried by said transmitter arm, ot means whereby said base late may be removably mounted upon saibl pattern plate, a member slidably mounted in relation to said base plate and adapted to receive said stylus, means whereby said stylus is lixedly held in relation to said member, a lead screw carried by said base and co-operating with said member, a hand wheel carried by said llead screw, whereby a step by step movement longitudinally of the machine may be imparted to said member through the actuation of said lead screw, and means whereby a definite quantity of rotary movement may be imparted to said lead screw with each actuation thereof.

6. An etching or like machine embodying` therein the combination with a pattern table, a work support including therein a work table, supporting means therefor having laterallyV extending parallel slideways upon which said work table is mounted, and means for imparting continuous movement to said table along said slideways, awork point supporting carriage capable of universal movement upon a single plane, a work pointcarrying arm mounted upon said carriage and capable of movement toward and from said work table, means whereby the movement of said work supporting arm may be controlled to engage the work point with, or disengage it from, a work plate, a transmitter arm, a universal connection between said transmitter arm and said carriage, and a tracing stylus carried by said transmitter arm, of a base plate, means whereby said base plate may be removably mounted upon said pattern plate, a member slidably mounted in relation to said base plate and adapted to receive said stylus, means whereby said stylus is iixedly held in relation to said member, a lead screwv carried by said base and co-operating with said member, a star wheel carried by said lead screw, and a spring pawl co-operating with said star wheel, whereby definite rotary movement may be imparted to said lead screw with each actuation thereof.

In witness whereof I have hereunto atiixed my signature, in the presence ot two subscribing witnesses, this eight-h day o'f December '1921.

RosALYN OHALLORAN, MARY HELLEMANN. 

